It is precise imagery because its a detailed visual description
1. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.
-Personification is shown in this excerpt, specifically in the line "I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs." Because the author is giving human like characteristics to the light.
2. Mingled with this horror, I felt the bitterness of disappointment; dreams that had been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now become a hell to me; and the change was so rapid, the overthrow so complete!
- The line "for so long a space were now become a hell to me; and the change was so rapid, the overthrow so complete" uses a metaphor because the vents that take place aren't literally hell, but they are describing it in a way that makes it feels that way.
In ancient literature, heroes were usually described as males who sacrificed themselves for the benefit of others. They also held certain characteristic such as can be seen through the chivalric code. They were expected to do great deeds of glory to even be counted as a hero in their society. This is why literature such as King Arthur were so popular in their times.
Although heroism in modern can still be represented through the lens of a superhero or war hero, it is generally given a lot more lax, and usually a lot easier to obtain. Unlike in the times of the knights, most people aren't expected to slay dragons, or rescue a damsel in distress. The theme of the "everyday hero" is certainly a huge difference between the two. In modern film, heroes are usually portrayed as the average Joe, sort of character, with flaws and vices just like anyone else. Heroes are now seen as obtainable characters with decent stances of virtue.
